Otzi the Ice Man had tooth decay.....

Otzi the Iceman-a 5,300 year old mummy found in the Italian Alpsin the early 1990's-had tooth decay.  A research team used CT scan analysis and examination of mummified facial bones to piece together the Iceman's face.  The analysis provided evidence of decay, occlusal wear and periodontitis-presumably the result of a high-carbohydrate diet.  The team reported that "although the Iceman had not lost a single tooth when he died at age 40, he had advanced abrasion of his teeth, profound caries and moderate to severe periodontitis."  More studies are underway to determine the cause of the Iceman's oral health problems, including DNA testing of the mummy's oral cavity to investigate whether the presence of bacteria was a contributing factor....
Caroline Wallace DDS
103 South Colorado Street
Salem , Va. 24153
540-387-3844